In the book, Fraker argues that Lincoln’s neutrality on the issues of alcohol and slavery made him a better lawyer and his law practice gave him the political connections needed to reach the White House.

Fraker spoke with WUIS’ Peter Gray about a case Lincoln tried in Central Illinois that is mentioned in Steven Spielberg’s biopic, why he admires Lincoln as an attorney and how towns like Decatur were transformed by the rails as Lincoln climbed what Fraker calls his “Ladder to the Presidency”: